The American journal of emergency medicine
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We identify and characterize the most highly cited articles related to ultrasonographic evaluations occurring in the emergency department. ⋯ The most frequently cited studies conducted in the emergency department pertaining to the use of ultrasonography included a wide range of topics, and approximately half of the primary authors of these studies were emergency medicine specialists.
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The Bacterial Meningitis Score classifies children with meningitis and none of the following high-risk predictors at very low risk for bacterial meningitis: positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Gram stain, CSF protein ≥80mg/dL, CSF absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1000 cells/mm(3), peripheral ANC ≥10,000 cells/mm(3), and seizure at or prior to presentation. Although extensively validated in children, the Bacterial Meningitis Score has not been rigorously evaluated in adults. ⋯ The Bacterial Meningitis Score accurately identified patients at low risk for bacterial meningitis and could assist clinical decision-making for adults with meningitis.
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Limited data exist on the incidence of contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) and its impact on in-hospital prognosis of patients diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) using contrast computerized tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA). In this study, we examined the frequency of nephropathy after CTPA in APE patients and its link to in-hospital adverse outcomes. ⋯ CIN is associated with a higher in-hospital adverse event rate in APE patients diagnosed using CTPA. This is first large study to focus specifically on CIN in patients diagnosed with APE using CTPA.
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The objective of the study is to evaluate whether patients with cellulitis can be safely discharged from a 24-hour clinical decision unit (CDU) with home infusion of intravenous (IV) antibiotics. ⋯ We avoided admission for 31 (97%) of 32 patients who were enrolled in HIT. Home infusion therapy has the potential to prevent hospitalizations, alleviate overcrowding of hospital beds, and decrease health care costs. Further studies are needed to determine the full impact of HIT on CDU patients with acute cellulitis.
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Fishing is a common pastime. In the developed world, it is commonly performed as a recreational activity. We aim to determine injury patterns and outcomes among patients injured while ice fishing. ⋯ Ice fishing is associated with more severe injury patterns and more thermal injuries and immersion injuries than traditional fishing. Providers and participants should be aware of the potential risks and benefits and counseled appropriately.